Spring break is coming! As you travel the web in search of new and exciting ideas to have fun with your children you’ll occasionally come across a gem! We happened to do just that when we found Activity Mom today.

Maybe you’re looking for ways to keep your 1 year old busy with activities with finger painting ideas, color sorting, or fun family magnets! What if you have a small troupe of kids and it’s raining out… How about indoor mini-golf! With just a few basic household items you can build a mini-golf course that will keep them busy for hours.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, thankfulness and FOOD! While you are busy trying to get all the food, decorations, cleaning etc done for your families Thanksgiving dinner, what will your children be doing? Allowing your children to be involved in the cooking/preparation of food will get them excited to try new things, and hopefully will lead to less hassle during dinner. (and will keep them busy while you are trying to get things taken care of!)

Here are some ideas from Perfect Nanny Match and around the web. Many of these recipes can be done with little supervision from parents or caregivers.

By using fruit, pretzels and a bit of cheese, children and parents can make a beautiful turkey appetizer for Thanksgiving!

Appetizer Turkey

Ingredients:

Grapes, bananas, strawberries, pear, block/sliced cheese, pretzels (or crackers)and two peppercorns. All ingredients can be substituted with other fruits (whatever you have in the fridge works!)

Directions: I would suggest starting with the pear in the middle (but in half) and working your way outwards. The crackers on the bottom serve as the ‘ground’ for your turkey to stand on. Put on a plate, and you are all set! I would suggest using peppercorns for the eyes of the turkey. Other than cutting the cheese into the beak/feet, children can do all the steps to this recipe!

Spinach Tator Tot Bites

Get your kids to eat their spinach by having them help make these adorable stuffing/spinach tator tots!

Kids can help with step number 8!
Servings: 18-24 spinach bites, depending on how big you make them

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add onion and cook until the onions are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes or so.
4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.
5. In the meantime, remove excess water from thawed spinach by pressing it between paper towels. **You do not need to cook the spinach.
6. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, spinach, eggs, Parmesan, salt and pepper, and onion/garlic mixture. Combine well.
7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. THIS IS WHERE THE KIDS CAN HELP! One at a time, using your hands, roll the mixture into individual 1-inch balls. Place each one on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake the balls for about 15-20 minutes, or until very slightly browned.

Dipping sauces: I used marinara, but you could use Ranch dressing, sour cream, horseradish, etc. Whatever you like!

(recipe by www.thecurvycarrot.com)

These leaf shaped crescent rolls can easily be made by children!

Cheesy Leaf Shaped Crescent Rolls

Kids can help with almost all steps in this recipe!

Servings: makes 8-10 depending on the size of the cookie cutters you use

3. Set your crescent roll leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set your scraps of crescent roll dough on another baking sheet, if desired.

4. Brush butter over each leaf shaped crescent roll. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over each leaf. Optional – If you want, sprinkle on some paprika and/or parsley to add some color to your leaves.

5. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Bake your tray of scraps for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Snack on them while you are working.

6. Once out of the oven, you can serve immediately, or allow them to cool, store them in an airtight container and re-heat just before serving. Place in a warm oven and heat for 3-5 minutes, just until warm.

Thank you to Hungry Happenings for this amazing recipe. So easy!!

– See more at: http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2012/11/cheesy-crescent-roll-leaves-for-your.html#sthash.uLw0m4Ue.dpuf